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My father read in last Sunday’s Philippine Daily Inquirer that Amanpulo (my ultimate dream destination) was offering reduced rates to Philippine residents. I e-mailed them to inquire, and very quickly, and efficiently, got a response.

This is my ultimate dream vacation spot! Dream — as in I may just think of it and never get there — although am still hoping that by the time I retire, I may finally get to visit.

This is the destination for the “rich and famous.” About an hour and a half away from Manila via a charter flight (which can cost adults about USD 325 — it’s like you already went out of the country), Amanpulo is located on a private island in Pamalican, Palawan. The name Amanpulo translates to “peaceful island” and if you have megabucks, you will probably be able to find peace here — as not many people can afford it.

Both resorts are under Ten Knots Development Corporation and are located in Northern Palawan. To get to either resort, you take a 19-seater plane ride (to be arranged with the resorts) to El Nido Airport. The flight takes about one hour and thirty minutes. After the plane ride, you must take a 30-50 minute boat ride to either Lagen Island or Miniloc Island.

Club Noah Isabelle is located in Apulit Island, Taytay, in Palawan. To reach it, you have to take a 90-minute plane ride from Manila, afterwhich you need to go on a 10 minute jeepney ride and a 45-minute boat ride.

Club Paradise is a resort located on Dimakya Island, in Coron, Palawan. I personally know three people (locals and a foreigner) who have been to the place and all of them enjoyed their stay there immensely.

I’ve read that Waterfront Insular Hotel may be the best place to stay in when in Davao. It is located in a prime area and faces the Samal Island.

If I’m not mistaken, you can go to the Pearl Farm from Waterfront Insular. They likewise have a T’boli Weaving Centre at the hotel grounds and this should be interesting to watch. They are likewise situated near the Dabaw Museum.

If ever we do get to return to Boracay, we will probably try staying at this resort. For one, we know the food is great. When we stayed at Pearl of the Pacific in 2001, we trekked to neighboring resort Waling Waling a few times and enjoyed several meals there.

The resort is very attractive, particularly at night, where the huts they have right up front have lighted blue lanterns. You can have a meal there, or you can get a massage, or you can also just lie down and relax.

We were in Bohol in 2004 and during that time, we stayed at Alona Palm Beach Resort and Restaurant. At the time that we booked with them, they were efficient in answering e-mails and in taking care of our reservations.